ANNUAL REPORT 2019 REPORT ANNUAL

BIG HOPE BIG GIVING SMALL LIVES LIVES SMALL GIVING Photo credit:AlexCoppel Over the the last 20 years, Children First Foundation has enabled over 400 disadvantaged children from 34 developing countries to receive life-changing, and sometimes life-saving surgery in .

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6 28 14 12 21 20 OUR VISION 3 We picture a world where every child can access excellent 2 care wherever they live. 10 8 23 OUR MISSION 5 19 27 Children First Foundation facilitates life-changing surgery in 26 32 Australia for disadvantaged children from developing countries. 13

29 18 OUR VALUES 34 11 Compassionate 17 22 25 • We express kindness and sensitivity. 30 • We act with empathy and understanding. 16 33 Respectful • We have due regard for the feelings, wishes or rights of others. 24 9 • We accept, share and celebrate cultures, individuals and diversity. 31 Ethical 1. Albania 13. Kenya 24. Samoa • We are honest and accountable. 2. Bangladesh 14. Lebanon 25. Solomon Islands • We act with integrity and honour. 3. Bhutan 15. Macedonia 26. Somalia 4. Bosnia and Herzegovina 16. Madagascar 27. Sri Lanka Equitable 5. Cambodia 17. Malawi 28. Syria • We believe in access and fairness. 6. China 18. Nauru 29. Tanzania • We give all those who reach out to us the same consideration, care and attention. 7. Croatia 19. Nigeria 30. Timor-Leste (East Timor) 8. Djibouti 20. Pakistan 31. Tonga Courageous 9. Fiji 21. P alestinian Territories 32. Uganda 10. India (Gaza Strip and West Bank) 33. Vanuatu • We encourage fearless thinking that reflects the courage of the children we help. 11. Indonesia 22. Papua New Guinea 34. Zambia • We are prepared to ‘take a chance’ and embrace all possibilities to achieve a great outcome. 12. Iraq 23. Philippines

ABOUT US

Children First Foundation is an Australian based multiple surgical procedures required, are not Pre and post-surgery, the children are cared for at children as they prepare for and recover from charity. We facilitate life-changing, and sometimes possible in their own countries. our Retreat in Kilmore, . 24/7 holistic care life-changing surgery. life-saving surgery in Australia for disadvantaged By collaborating with exceptional Australian surgeons, is provided by a team of skilled and dedicated Our goal is to have these children return home, children from developing countries. These health professionals and hospitals, we enable these staff and volunteers to maximise the result of the happy and healthy, with a brighter future ahead children are unable to access the medical care children to access world-class medical care in surgery. This unique model of community-based of them. they desperately need, as the complex, and often Australia, and a chance to transform their lives. care offers a home-away-from-home for the

2 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 3 FROM THE CHAIR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

“Hope is being able to see that there REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2019 2019 was one of our biggest years yet. It was the year we While the grant allows us to enrich and expand our program, is light despite all the darkness”. celebrated our 20th anniversary and two decades of it comes with a conditional challenge component. To secure “Giving Small Lives Big Hope”. It was wonderful to reflect $2 million over 4 years, we are required to obtain an Desmond Tutu on all our achievements as we marked this milestone. additional $3 million from other funders across 4 years. This amount must be over and above our annual fundraising Over the last 20 years, Children First Foundation has activities. Staying true to our values, we took a bold and enabled over 400 disadvantaged children from 34 courageous approach as we reviewed and refocused our developing countries to receive life-changing, and 4- year strategic plan to seize this incredible opportunity. sometimes life-saving surgery in Australia. It truly takes an enormous and committed team of Often living in daily pain, unable to attend school and individuals and organisations to transform a child’s life. ostracised from their community due to their appearance or We want to extend a profound thank you to our volunteers, condition, for most of these children, life before surgery who are the very heart of our organisation and provide an was difficult and disheartening. amazing family- network of support for our children. Now back at home, following successful surgery and An incredible team of medical professionals and hospitals treatment, these children are attending school or further partner with us – and we sincerely thank them for their education, walking and running pain-free, and most commitment. We’d also like to take this opportunity to importantly, they are more active and valued members of specifically acknowledge St Vincent’s Private, The their communities. Their stories are those of reclaiming Craniofacial Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital hope, much like Ali’s story. Adelaide, Epworth HealthCare, Northpark Private Hospital Ali came to us in 2016 from Palestine, with late-onset and St John of God Berwick Hospital for their very hereditary rickets. Without the surgery and treatment that generous ongoing pro bono support. he received in Australia, the quality of his life looked bleak. Our work is also only made possible by the generous Ali is now on track to graduate with top marks from The financial and in-kind support of our wonderful donors and Arab American University in Palestine with a Nursing degree, sponsors, many of whom have been part of the Children and a promising future ahead of him. We couldn’t be prouder First Foundation family for a very long time. Children First of him. You can read more of Ali’s story on page 12. Foundation does not receive any government funding, and 2019 was also the year we said a bittersweet goodbye to is therefore wholly reliant on private, philanthropic and some of our most famous and bravest little ones yet – corporate support. formerly conjoined twins, Nima and Dawa from Bhutan, and Finally, thank you to our staff and Board of Directors who little Jack from Vanuatu. have worked so hard to make everything you read in this A team of 18 worked on the complex surgery to separate report possible. the twins, who were joined at the chest and abdomen. Creating a fairer world where every child, no matter where Jack’s life-changing journey proved to be more complicated they live, can access excellent medical care is a huge than expected. He ended up needing not one but two collective effort. With your support, we look forward to a intricate surgeries to firstly expand his skull, then remove a hope-filled future for hundreds of disadvantaged children in large and life-threatening encephalocele on his small face. the decades to come. You can read about the twins’ and Jack’s journeys on page 8 and page 10. On a monetary front, during the financial year ending June 2019, we achieved a positive budget for the first time in five years. This enabled us to embark on longer-term investment strategies and create sources of passive income to contribute to operational costs. We appointed investment Roger Langley, Elizabeth Lodge, firm JB Were to manage our share portfolio and saw a strong Chair Chief Executive Officer return on our investment. We also moved our administration operations out of our property at 66 Chapman Street in North . The property is now on the rental market, giving us a solid rental yield. In 2018 we were also very fortunate to be selected by an international philanthropic trust to be their 2019 – 2022 Australian partner, and the recipient of a multi-year grant. Our CEO, Elizabeth with Rachael

4 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 5 2019 AT A GLANCE SOME LIFE-CHANGING TRANSFORMATIONS OF 2019

Number of children that underwent life-changing or life-saving surgery, treatment and recovery: 16 children from 8 countries

Number of children under various stages of review and awaiting Photo credit: Teagan Glenane Photo credit: Teagan medical visas: Chien, Vietnam Doris, Solomon Islands Ilona, PNG Orthopaedic surgery, St John of God, Berwick Plastic surgery, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Orthopaedic surgery, St Vincent’s Private, Melbourne 23 Doris will have further surgery in 2020 Ilona will undergo rehabilitation and physiotherapy into 2020

Number of hours of 24/7 holistic care delivered for the 16 children who stayed at The Retreat pre and post-surgery: 50,328 hours

Number of hours of specialised medical care provided at The Retreat (including Glenane Photo credit: Teagan Glenane Photo credit: Teagan wound management, physiotherapy Jack, Vanuatu Kyziah, The Philippines Madlen, Vanuatu Neuro/ maxillofacial surgery, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Craniofacial surgery, Northpark Private Hospital, Melbourne Plastic and reconstructive surgery, St John of God, Geelong and rehabilitation): Melbourne 783 hours

Total number of hours of education delivered: 1,498 hours

Total number of hospital, doctors and Photo credit: Alex Coppel Photo credit: Alex Coppel other medical appointments attended: Glenane Photo credit: Teagan Nima and Dawa, Bhutan Samnang, Cambodia Robinson, Papua New Guinea General surgery (separation), The Royal Children’s Hospital, General surgery (removal of rare and potentially fatal tumour), Craniofacial surgery, Northpark Private Hospital Melbourne & 90 Melbourne Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne St Vincent’s Private Melbourne

6 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 7 With mum, Photo credit: Eddie Jim/The Age Photo credit: Alex Coppel Prior to surgery Bhumchu after surgery

Almost four months after their they’d never used before, and to learn Some words from lead surgeon, life-changing surgery, we bid a to do things they had never done before Dr Joe Crameri, from The Royal bittersweet farewell to 19-month-old, – like rolling, crawling, walking and Children’s Hospital, who reflects on the formerly conjoined twins, Nima and standing up by themselves. challenge and profound impact that the Dawa in March 2019. conjoined twins’ case presented to his By the time the girls left Melbourne to highly skilled team. Wiping away her tears as she said head back home to Bhutan, Nima was goodbye, mum Bhumchu said, “Nima, walking and Dawa was not far behind. “We were excited when we were initially Dawa and mum so happy, thank you. asked to be involved in the care of Having lived with the constant fear To the doctors and Children First Nima and Dawa. The hospital’s previous of knowing that if one of her fragile Foundation …. I am so happy.” experience with conjoined twins made daughters died, her sister would be us aware of the demands this type of When they arrived in Australia, the twins lost too, for Bhumchu, the outcome procedure would put on our surgical, touched down to what can only be was a dream come true. anaesthetic and nursing skills. It would also described as a media frenzy. As they “Before the separation, the girls were test our ability to carefully choreograph the waited for their life-changing operation, very weak, and our biggest fear was that steps needed to commence the surgery they captured the hearts of everyone in if one of them died, so would the other. on one and complete the surgery safely Australia. Though the girls were oblivious There was no option but separation, on two. While many of us may never be to the cameras, Bhumchu was incredibly even if it meant we lost one of our involved in such a rare case again, the moved by the huge outpouring of love daughters,” she said. knowledge and skills acquired would and support from the Australian public serve to greatly enhance our expertise for her little girls. Back at home in Bhutan, the twins, now when encountering children in our own almost three years old, are thriving. After a short delay to increase their community with complex liver, chest and Although the girls love their new-found pre-surgery weight, the girls were abdominal problems. freedom, Bhumchu laughs and says they whisked off to The Royal Children’s are no longer joined at the abdomen, While the girls taught me how to be a Hospital for their life-changing surgery. but are still very much joined at the hip! better surgeon, they also taught me things A team of 18, including surgeons, I was not expecting. I learned about the anaesthetists, technicians and “I don’t know that they can do anything great generosity and genuine affection theatre nurses, were involved in the without each other! For instance, they of our own community, the beauty and complicated operation to separate can’t sleep unless they are next to warmth of the Bhutanese community, Nima and Dawa, who were joined at the each other, or even go to the bathroom and the unwavering commitment of chest and abdomen. without the other. They also have to Children First Foundation to making a All grown up wear the same clothes - if not, they will The surgery, which took almost difference to the lives of disadvantaged cry until we change them so that they 6 hours, was completed ahead of children. At a time when our sense are wearing the same clothes! So… they schedule. At first, the twins were very of community can seem fractured, I really are incomplete without each anxious after the operation as they encountered no one who did not feel we other,” says Bhumchu. became aware that they were no longer live in a better place for having bestowed joined. However, over the next few days “Before they were separated, I had so Nima and Dawa with a normal childhood.” and weeks, they made excellent progress many fears and zero hope for my babies TWO LITTLE GIRLS and recovery, and just 16 days after the – and look at them now! They can eat, complex procedure, they were given the sleep, play and do all the other things like THAT CAPTURED THE HEART OF THE NATION all-clear and discharged from the hospital. any other healthy kid. The twins spent the next four months The help, support and generosity offered at The Retreat where they were cared by Children First Foundation, the doctors “ Before they were separated, I had so many fears and zero hope for for by Bhumchu, staff and volunteers as and the Australian public during our dark my babies – and look at them now! They can eat, sleep, play and do they learnt to live life as two separate times will never be forgotten. Thank you girls. They underwent extensive for giving my girls a better future. You will all the other things like any other healthy kid”. physiotherapy to strengthen muscles always have our deepest gratitude.”

Dr Joe Crameri with the twins

8 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 9 In a remote island off Vanuatu, little toddler, our generous donors came MORE THAN A Jack was born with a large lump on swiftly to the rescue. Team Jack was his tiny face. formed, and this life-saving group of donors made crucial contributions Fearful that he would hurt himself, and towards the costs. to keep him away from curious eyes, NEW FACE his mum Boufa was careful to shield The combination of the two complex her little son away from others. surgeries was a world first, and utilised practices that were pioneered at It was by a sheer stroke of luck, The Royal Children’s Hospital. holiday makers from Victoria came across Jack. Seeing the large bump To expand his skull, neurosurgeon, on his face, they were eager to help. Dr Alison Wray and maxillofacial Back in Australia, they sought advice surgeon, Dr Jonathan Burge cut the from a local nurse, who in turn spoke back of Jack’s skull and attached two to a doctor, and eventually, Jack was distractors, or expandable metal pins. brought to the attention of Children These distractors were then turned First Foundation. twice a day for 25 days. With each turn, the distractors stretched 0.6mm “While many people saw the lump on with bone growing to replace the Jack’s face as a cosmetic issue, when space made. we showed his photo to renowned craniofacial surgeon Professor Tony Five months later, Jack was back in the Holmes, he described it as a death operating room. This time, Professor sentence,” explains Elizabeth Lodge, Tony Holmes and Dr Jonathon Burge CEO, Children First Foundation. removed the encephalocele and rebuilt his face to fit his newly enlarged skull. The lump was a life-threatening encephalocele, resulting from a neural Thankfully, both operations were tube defect where the bones in Jack’s successful. Now, a small neat scar skull failed to close completely during across Jack’s nose is the only pregnancy. This allowed cerebral fluid evidence that remains of the former to leak and form a large sac in the protrusion, a condition which, if left centre of his face. Any bump to Jack’s untreated, could have ended his life.

Photo credit: Alex Coppel head could be fatal. Jack’s mum, Boufa, who accompanied Having secured The Royal Children’s Jack to Australia, was incredibly Hospital to take on Jack’s case, we grateful for the love and support quickly pulled out all the stops to get Jack received here, and very excited Jack to Australia for surgery. to see him receive his ‘new face’. When Jack landed in Australia and When we spoke to Boufa recently, doctors were finally able to see him, she reported that Jack no longer it became apparent that his condition has headaches. “Jack is fine. He is was more complicated than originally always playing and never sits down. thought. When I speak to him in English, he understands but, he answers back Scans revealed that Jack had a in Bislama.” second condition where his skull hadn’t formed correctly, and as a The transformation in Jack is incredible. result, his skull was not big enough to Thanks to the amazing surgeons, fit his brain inside. An extra operation doctors, medical professionals, donors was required to expand his skull, and everyone from Team Jack, little before removal of the disfiguring and Jack not only has a new face, he has a dangerous tissue could occur. new life in which he can thrive and grow.

Hanging out with mum after surgery “With The Royal Children’s Hospital being a public hospital, we knew that Jack’s surgery and treatment would “ While many people saw the lump on Jack’s face as a cosmetic incur a cost. However, we had not anticipated or budgeted for the issue, when we showed his photo to renowned craniofacial surgeon additional surgery, or extended Professor Tony Holmes, he described it as a death sentence”. post-surgical care at our Retreat,” says Elizabeth. Pre-surgery Luckily, for this bright, happy little

10 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 11 “ When Ali returned home a year later, he was able to walk, run, swim, kneel, and even play the game of soccer that he was so A HOPE-FILLED desperate to get back to! Most importantly, Ali was able to board FUTURE RESTORED that bus and complete his education”.

Soon to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Ali’s surgery took five hours, during which frames Ali, 24, from Palestine is a shining example of how life- were attached to his thigh bones near his knees and changing surgery restored a future filled with hope and the bone divided. promise. “Following surgery, the deformity in Ali’s legs was corrected Ali was 14 when he first started developing signs of a over several weeks using a computer program. During this condition called familial hypophosphatemic rickets, a time, bone was stimulated to form and realign his severely hereditary disorder related to low levels of phosphate bent limbs,” explains Associate Professor Donnan. in the blood. His younger brother, Motaz also suffered After the operation, Ali spent almost a year at The Retreat from the same condition, but for Motaz, it presented at an undergoing intensive rehabilitation. First, he had to learn earlier age than it did for Ali. to walk in the frames. Once the bone was solid enough, For both boys, the condition became progressively the frames were removed, and his recovery continued with worse. In Ali’s case, his lower legs began to position at extensive physiotherapy sessions, swimming, walking and an outward angle, with his knees together and his feet weights, to help build flexibility in his knees and ankles. eventually a meter apart. With each passing day, Ali’s When Ali returned home a year later, he was able to walk, mobility was dramatically compromised. run, swim, kneel, and even play the game of soccer that he “Walking, running and even kneeling for prayer or to enjoy was so desperate to get back to! Most importantly, Ali was a meal was a huge struggle. Soon I couldn’t even board able to board that bus and complete his education. the bus to school – and all my dreams and hopes came “Without surgery and rehabilitation, life would have been crashing all around me,” says Ali. extremely difficult for me in Palestine. I wouldn’t have been A glimmer of hope surfaced when Motaz had surgery to able to attend University or get a job to support my family. help straighten his legs in Jerusalem. I can’t thank the Foundation, the volunteers, the donors and of course, Professor Donnan and the other medical “I was so excited for him, and for what it could also mean staff enough.” for me, but sadly the operation just made his legs worse,” recalls Ali. Ali is due to graduate as a nurse in July 2020 from The Arab American University in Palestine, and is on track “We both felt so hopeless and afraid of what the future was to achieving top marks. He says he hopes to continue to hold for us.” with further studies, and eventually secure a position Motaz was eventually referred to Children First Foundation that will allow him to improve and shape the future of the by the Palestinian Community in Melbourne. He was healthcare system in Palestine. successfully operated on by leading orthopaedic surgeon, Ali’s brother, Motaz, is also doing well and currently Associate Professor Leo Donnan, at St Vincent’s Private completing Year 12. Hospital in 2013. Two years later, Ali followed suit.

Ali’s legs close up prior to surgery Giving a presentation at University Ali with his brother Motaz, prior to Ali’s surgery

12 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 13 THE RETREAT “It’s always been so wonderful being here at The Retreat. I always missed home, but sometimes it’s like I have a second family and lots of friends here”. Serah, Papua New Guinea

Our Retreat in Kilmore, Victoria, is the warm and loving heart of what we do at Children First Foundation. It is a home-away-from-home for our children. It is where the kids eat, sleep, play, and most importantly, where they prepare for and heal from surgery. Doris, Ilona and Kyziah enjoy the playground at The Retreat

“On average most of our children spend about six months Before surgery, the focus at The Retreat is to help the cleaned and managed, medications are taken, all while in Australia. Of that, about a week is usually spent in children and their carers settle in and prepare them for of course keeping everyone’s spirits high. hospital following surgery. The rest of the time is spent what lies ahead. We work on gaining their confidence and “It is such a privilege to be a part of each child’s life- at The Retreat, where critical care takes place pre and trust, improving their nutrition and general health, providing changing journey. When a child first arrives at The Retreat, post-surgery,” explains Deb Pickering, Children First emotional support and helping develop their English Foundation Retreat Manager. language skills. they are often anxious and unsure. Slowly, they settle in, and you start getting to know that little person. As you Run by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, including The post-surgical care and healing is another major focus hold their hand through the challenging times, you realise nurses and other allied health professionals, our ethos at at The Retreat – and is critical to the overall outcome just how much comfort it gives, not only to them, but to you The Retreat is to provide 24/7 holistic care, recognising of the surgery. Fortunately, The Retreat benefits from a too,” reflects Deb. and responding to each child’s emotional, physical and purpose-built and fully equipped physiotherapy room and a cultural needs. rehabilitation pool that can be used year-round. “There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing the pure joy in a child’s face as they recover and do things Many of the children we help have never been away “Many of our children return to homes where medical from home. Sometimes a parent or carer accompanies they couldn’t before. When the time comes to saying follow up is scarce, so it is vital that we ensure they return goodbye, it is always bittersweet. Sad because you are younger children; however, older children usually come home in the best possible condition,” explains Deb. on their own. Some of the children are unable to speak saying goodbye to a little person you’ve come to care so English. Others are undernourished. While many of the Our staff and volunteers work around the clock with much for, and happy because they are going back home kids have been ostracised from their community due the kids to ensure that rehabilitation and physiotherapy to their families and a brighter and more hopeful future to their condition, others have previously undergone programmes are followed, dressings and wounds’ sites are ahead of them.” poorly managed surgical interventions – so they are understandably fearful of what’s ahead of them. Serah is welcomed back to The Retreat after being EDUCATION MATTERS discharged from hospital Ensuring that the children continue their education while they are with us has always been a strong focus for Children First Foundation. Our volunteer teachers run weekly education sessions tailored for each child. “Homework” continues with the staff and other volunteers at other times. In late June, we upgraded our English as an Alternative Language (EAL) program. We are continuously looking for ways to enhance our program and to increase future opportunities for our children. The ability to speak, write and comprehend English is a valuable asset, opening up avenues for employment and further education when the children return home. As our kids come from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, we also engage with their communities in Australia to ensure they remain connected to their language and cultural customs. The Retreat Doris with volunteer teacher Carol

14 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 15 THE CHILDREN FIRST SUSAN DONOR FOUNDATION FAMILY Long time donor and supporter, Susan can clearly remember when she first came across Children First Foundation. “ Oh, I feel terrific!” she says “I belonged to the VIEW Club, (a women’s organisation which enthusiastically, conveying It takes a village to transform a child’s life, and we at Children First Foundation are very supports The Smith Family) many years ago, and they had fortunate to have a community of superstars – amazing volunteers, surgeons, hospitals, someone from Children First Foundation who came and did the real joy she gets from supporters and donors who continue to give their time, expertise and support. Thank you a talk.” for being part of our family. Below we highlight just a few of our very many superstars. It was the first time Susan had heard of the Foundation. seeing disadvantaged When she saw images of children from developing countries with life-threatening conditions before and after having life- children given hope and changing surgery in Australian hospitals, she sprang into action immediately. a new chance at life, and JOSÉ AND SIMONETTA VOLUNTEERS “I belted out to the car park after the speaker and gave her knowing that she has a cheque.” Simonetta and her partner, José, I was gobsmacked! In between our contributed. It was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between have been volunteering with volunteering shifts, Kiko had facial Susan and Children First Foundation. At that time, Susan Children First Foundation for almost surgery, and I honestly didn’t recognise lived in Melbourne and worked in the travel industry. five years. They first heard about him. I couldn’t believe the change in his the Foundation from two friends appearance!” After retiring, she and her husband moved to a property who were volunteers at the time. outside Broadford, about 75km north of Melbourne. Susan Kiko had a pituitary gland disorder. Their stories and experiences made began to babysit for Noel* and Janis Baker, who were, The resulting excess growth hormones a strong impression on the couple. coincidentally, members of Rotary International and huge caused his lower jaw to grow rapidly When they heard that there was an supporters of Children First Foundation. In fact, Noel and ahead of his upper jaw. Thanks to Open Day at The Retreat (then known Janis went on to donate the 42 acres of land on which Professor Andrew Heggie, Kiko as ‘The Farm’), they jumped at the The Retreat is built. underwent maxillofacial surgery which chance to attend and find out more. brought forward his cheeks and eye When Susan started babysitting for them, the site of The “After speaking to the staff and meeting sockets, and his cheekbones in line Retreat was a paddock. Susan recalls the first time she the children at the Open Day, we with the upper jaw. As Simonetta says, saw the house that would eventually become The Retreat. decided, there and then, that we would his transformation was profound. “I couldn’t believe it. One day I arrived to babysit for Noel give volunteering with Children First For José, an unforgettable memory and Janis, and there was a house on this paddock! It was Foundation a go,” explains Simonetta. was when he discovered that one of still in parts. It had been brought up on two trucks. “We arranged to have a trial session the kids, Teresa, enjoyed dancing! And now - it’s just fabulous!” says Susan, who recently in a fortnight – and here we are, five Simonetta laughs as she recalls what visited The Retreat at our annual Open Day in November. years later – still enjoying our monthly happened next. volunteering weekend at The Retreat.” In the decades since, Susan has followed Children First José “For anyone who knows José and his Foundation activities closely. In those early days, when we José and Simonetta do an overnighter love for dancing, that was like holding didn’t have social media, or even regular newsletters, at The Retreat every fourth weekend of a red flag to a bull! So, one Sunday, we Susan kept a keen eye on newspapers and the news. the month. They prepare meals, wash pushed the furniture out of the way, put She still recalls the media frenzy when conjoined twins, clothes, clean up, and most importantly, the music on, and José taught Teresa Trishna and Krishna were brought over from Bangladesh have lots of fun playing, dancing and and the rest of the gang how to do more than ten years ago. More recently, Susan was hanging out with the kids. the Cha Cha Cha. It was such a fun particularly moved by little Jack’s and Nima and Dawa’s afternoon; I can still hear the laughter “There have been so many highlights stories (featured on pages 8-11 ). travelling up and down the hallway! and wonderful memories over the last When we ask Susan what stands out for her about five years,” says Simonetta. There are so many things that we Children First Foundation, she does not hesitate. “Oh, it’s enjoy about volunteering with Children “One that sticks out for me is arriving the children! Just the thought of those children, you know - First Foundation, but what stands out at The Retreat for our weekend shift they are crippled, or their faces are disfigured, and you for us both, is that we love seeing the and being greeted at the door by a think what on earth they must go through.” difference the surgeries and treatments lovely tall young man, who I presumed make to each child. We both feel Before our little chat comes to an end, we ask Susan how was a new child. I said my usual hellos, so happy knowing that when these it feels to be involved with Children First Foundation, and and then this very tall young man said, children go back to their various home help these children directly with her regular support. ‘Hello Sim’. countries, they will have an improved Once again, Susan doesn’t hesitate. “Oh, I feel terrific!” I stood back for a moment and thought, and better chance at life. That is what she says enthusiastically, conveying the real joy she gets I know that voice, but I couldn’t recognise gives us the most joy.” from seeing disadvantaged children given hope and a new his face. Then it hit me, like a lightning chance at life, and knowing that she has contributed. bolt, it was Kiko! Simonetta with Foyok and Kylie *Noel Baker is a Patron of Children First Foundation. Susan

16 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 17 MR DAVID CHONG MBBS FRACS, PRO BONO SURGEON PRICELINE SISTERHOOD FOUNDATION PLATINUM PARTNER

The Priceline Sisterhood Foundation has partnered with Since then, they have donated over $840,000 to us. Children First Foundation as a platinum supporter for “As well as all the funds raised for us over the years, the over nine years. additional support that the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation The Sisterhood Foundation was developed after Sir Bob have provided has been nothing short of extraordinary. Geldof spoke at a Priceline Pharmacy event about his two Like funding much needed capital works at The Retreat decades of charity work and challenged the brand to give including enclosing our rehab pool and upgrading the back to the community. driveway, purchasing our trusted Tarago (which we use to transport the children to hospital appointments), and helping In response to this, the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation us set up new IT and telecommunications infrastructure. Each was formed in 2011 to give back, and specifically, to provide year an enthusiastic team of Priceline volunteers also assist support to women and their families. at our Gala Ball, helping us make the night a huge fundraising “The Sisterhood is unique – it is aligned to a range of causes success”, says Elizabeth Lodge, CEO, Children First Foundation. that women can relate to in some way, and this enables us “We are extremely grateful for the Priceline Sisterhood to touch the lives of people from all walks of life,” says Ita Foundation’s long-term commitment to helping the Buttrose, Patron, Priceline Sisterhood Foundation. disadvantaged children of our world. They share our Children First Foundation was one of the first charities the passion and have become an intrinsic part of the Children Priceline Sisterhood Foundation selected to support. First Foundation family.”

Mr David Chong

Children First Foundation is extremely fortunate to have the Children’s Hospital. It was a privilege to be part of the pro bono support of world-class hospitals, and exceptional incredible team that was assembled to care for two girls that surgeons, doctors and allied health professionals. One such faced a very challenging situation,” recalls Mr Chong. brilliant and very generous surgeon is Mr David Chong, who “At this time, I was already volunteering internationally. has partnered with the Foundation for over 12 years. However, I was also looking to work with a local organisation Mr Chong’s passion is correcting facial and skull deformities that helps disadvantaged children from overseas benefit from in children, and he is particularly known for his work in cleft our wonderful health system here in Australia.” lip and palate. He holds a public appointment at The Royal Children’s Hospital, and private appointments at Northpark Mr Chong discovered that Children First Foundation was a Private Hospital and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Kew. perfect match, and it was the beginning of a long-standing partnership. “I find that Children First Foundation is always Having moved from Malaysia to Perth when he was just five willing to help and advocate for children living with difficulties years old, even as a child, Mr Chong always knew that he and challenges overseas that can’t be solved in their own wanted to make a difference. It is no surprise that medicine country”, he explains. was the path he chose. “To me the Foundation epitomises the wonderful culture that “I decided early on in my career that I wanted to look after I have come to love about Australia and what makes me children born with facial differences. After completing my proud to be Australian. The ‘fair-go’ attitude – the ‘never say training programme, I undertook further subspecialty training in Dallas and Toronto to learn how to look after these children die’ resilience. The simple heart and compassion to do the in the best way possible.” right thing. We have so much. We can give a bit back. I am so happy to be part of that.” Mr Chong is deeply rooted in humanitarian work. As well as working on Children First Foundation cases on a pro bono In 2019, Mr Chong operated on Robinson and Kyziah, two of basis, he volunteers three to four times a year to operate our children who are now both back at home with a brighter and teach in developing countries with charity organisations, future ahead of them. Operation Smile and Mercy Ships. Mr Chong graduated from The University of Western Australia “I was first introduced to Children First Foundation in 2008, 1995. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of when I was part of the team that cared for the conjoined Surgeons, American Cleft Lip and Palate Association (ACPA), twins, Trishna and Krishna. The twins arrived at the hospital American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery (ASMS) and as I literally walked into work on my first day at The Royal Australasian Cleft Lip and Palate Society. CFF girls with the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation

18 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 19 A YEAR OF EVENTS TO REMEMBER

2019 was truly a year to celebrate as we proudly marked our 20th birthday and FACING THE FUTURE: A JOURNEY two decades of “Giving Small Lives Big Hope”. It was a time to reflect on our success INTO CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY: stories and celebrate all that we’ve achieved in the last 20 years. MEDICAL ORATION, 4 JUNE 2019 We were delighted to hold several events through the year to commemorate this As part of our celebrations, we were delighted to host an exclusive event for our supporters incredible milestone. – our inaugural Medical Oration. Held at Melbourne Town Hall, the fascinating and heartfelt Oration was delivered by Professor Tony Holmes, internationally renowned craniofacial Photo credit: RCH Creative Studio surgeon. Professor Holmes has operated on a number of our children, and most recently he led the team that performed the ground-breaking surgery for Jack from Vanuatu.

Professor Tony Holmes

GALA BALL “GIVING SMALL LIVES BIG HOPE” FOR 20 YEARS, 26 OCTOBER 2019 Held at the spectacular Park Hyatt Ballroom, our annual During the evening we also presented the Pat Weldon Gala Ball is always a glamourous night of entertainment and Humanitarian Award to Rotary International District 9790, fundraising. This year it was particularly special as we acknowledging Rotary’s long-standing and extraordinary celebrated our 20th birthday, but the icing on cake was that contribution to changing the lives of over 400 we raised over $126,000 during the night – a staggering disadvantaged children during the past 20 years. 50% increase from the previous year.

Rachael and Madlen present

Photo credit: Teagan Glenane Photo credit: Teagan the Governor with a gift

RECEPTION, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, 5 MARCH 2019 We launched our celebrations in early March with a morning reception at Government House, kindly hosted by our Patron-in-Chief, Her Excellency the Hon. Linda Dessau AC, and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC. Guests included our founding members, surgeons, donors, volunteers, staff and our children – with our littlest guests Jack, Nima and Dawa as the stars of the show as they ‘let loose’ in the grand Ballroom with a couple of balloons!

Left to right: Bernie Lamers (CFF Patron and Rotary Club of Preston), Geoff McIlvenna (CFF Patron and Rotary Club of Preston), Mr Howard hands Jack some balloons Brian Peters (District Governor 9790, Rotary International), Roger Langley (Chairman, CFF) and Noel Baker (CFF Patron and Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell)

20 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 21 A YEAR OF EVENTS TO REMEMBER (CONT.) FY 2019 INCOME AND EXPENSES

ROTARY REUNION, 10 NOVEMBER 2019

We wouldn’t be celebrating our 20-year milestone without Lodge announced our decision to formally acknowledge the vision, determination, generosity and compassion of Rotary International as a ‘Founding Partner’ of Children Rotarians across District 9790 and beyond. First Foundation. As we drew a close to our 20-year celebrations, we felt As part of the festivities, a tree was also planted alongside it was most fitting to bring together the very people that what was the very first tree at the then known “Farm”. INCOME helped establish Children First Foundation. Over 120 It was a joyous and heartwarming day as guests mingled Donations $992,123 43% Rotarians packed into The Retreat, as CEO, Elizabeth and took a trip-down-memory lane. Trusts and Foundations $848,662 37%

Corporates $67,238 3%

Event Income $242,639 11%

Dividends and Interest $74,205 3%

Other Income $74,966 3%

Deeply engrossed in old stories

Doris and Robinson help plant the tree The plaque under the new tree EXPENSES EXCLUSIVE MORNING TEA & OPEN DAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2019 24/7 Care $545,671 42% Medical Supplies $216,512 17% In late November we threw open the Rachael on crafting duties doors of our Retreat. In the morning, we Retreat Facilities Costs $131,259 10% hosted an exclusive morning tea as a Education and Welfare $47,454 4% special thank you to our long--standing supporters. Our Patron and long-time Program Expansion $74,020 6% supporter, Gerry Lamers welcomed the Flights and Travel $41,721 3% guests and shared the story of how she got involved with Foundation. Fundraising and $250,854 18% Administration Celebrations continued in the afternoon, when we welcomed the local community for an afternoon of fun for the whole family at our Open Day. It was a wonderful way for the community to connect with our children, volunteers, supporters and staff.

22 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 23 WITH SPECIAL THANKS

Children First Foundation is very grateful to all the incredible VOLUNTEERS Our volunteers are at the very heart of our organisation, and we couldn’t do what we do without them. They cook, individuals and organisations who support our work – it takes a clean, drive to appointments, keep the children company, hold their hand when they are scared, and most important of all, give their time and love to make a difference to a child’s life. We thank and acknowledge the following volunteers compassionate and dedicated team to transform a child’s life. for giving their time so generously during 2019:

Lorraine Aitken Maria Hall Margaret Smith OAM HOSPITALS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Roeun Bennetts Lesley Hills Lorraine Spencer Natalie Bennetts Judy Hoffard Shenae Stanley Thank you to the following world-class hospitals for We achieve extraordinary outcomes through Glyza Bernado Sharyn Hood Zenaida Sturzaker their support and commitment during 2019: collaboration with exceptional Australian surgeons and health professionals. Thank you to all the following Annie Bezemer Cheryl Humphrey Karli Van Den Driesschen Monash Children’s Hospital medical professionals who partnered with us in 2019: Paige Blackman Ally King Jenny Webster Northpark Private Hospital Dr Anthony Burn Sue Bowman Ingrid Koutsodontis Suse Whitehead St John of God Hospital Berwick Dr Jonathon Burge Derrick Butterick Carrie Lau Sylvia Zhang St John of God Hospital Geelong Dr Raman Bhinder Anne Cook Robin Longbottom St Vincent’s Private Hospital Ms Sue Bowman Sarah Curtis Carol McIntyre The Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide Events committee: Mr Patrick Chan Nhung Dinh Gerry Milton Fiona Langley The Royal Children’s Hospital Mr David Chong Jose Espinoza Simonetta Poletti Merryn Maher Professor Chris Coombs Melanie Eva Anna Quigley Kim Myers Dr Joe Crameri Anne Ford Lee Sando Lesley Rocchi Dr Jonathon Darby Dianne Friels Maree Scale Wendy Yarnall Associate Professor Leo Donnan Helen Frost Merilyn Selman Dr Sian Fairbank Mr Scott Ferris Mr Walter Flapper Dr Ben Hallett Dr Gagan Hira Professor Tony Holmes Mr Ian Holten Dr Suresh Jain Dr Abhay Khot Mr Michael Johnson Dr Gail Littlejohn Mr David McCombe Dr Mark Moore Dr Laurence Poon Dr Joe Speekman Dr Thomas Tan Professor Ton Tran The twins with thier mum

Photo credit: Alex Coppel Dr Allison Wray Foyok with volunteer teacher Carol

24 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 25 WITH SPECIAL THANKS

DONORS SUPPLIERS AMBASSADORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our donors are the lifeblood of Children First Foundation. Thank you to the following medical suppliers: Diane (Dee Dee) Dunleavy Mr Roger Langley, Chairman Children First Foundation does not receive any government Dorevitch Pathology Russell Osborne Mr Don Maloney, Deputy Chair funding, and we are therefore wholly reliant on private, philanthropic and corporate support. A huge thank you I-MED Radiology Peter (Grubby) Stubbs Mr Peter Gilbert, Treasurer to all our donors; we couldn’t do what we do without your LifeHealthcare Ms Elizabeth Lodge, CEO and Director support. Listed below are our major donors for 2019 (some generous donors prefer to remain anonymous): Nexus Health Dr Sue English, (MBBS (Monash) DipRANZCOG FRACGP), Director Alan Field, OAM and Christine Field ProMotion Prosthetics Mr Jeff Hudson, Director Audrey Campbell Stryker Bill and Eileen Doyle Other organisations: CommBank Staff Foundation Billanook College, Mooroolbark Don Maloney Casey Wealth HOW YOU CAN HELP GIVE SMALL LIVES Estate of Kathleen and Richard Fleming Emmaus College, Vermont Gerry and Bernie Lamers Foundation Eva Mattresses Harry Fraser FareShare BIG HOPE John Ralph AC and Barbara Ralph Hanson Quarries, Kilmore If like us, you’ve been inspired by the hope and a lengthy and complex process. It requires perseverance, Jost and Dorothee Kaiser Kiwanis International Australia District Charitable Foundation determination of the children and their families you’ve patience and an enormous team of like-minded and Prescott Family Foundation read about in this Annual Report, there are many ways passionate people to make it happen. It also requires a Mr Rob Mitchell, MP you can get involved in changing a child’s life. significant financial investment. Rhonda Cook Second Bite Whether you volunteer your time, make a regular donation, Without exception, every person involved in transforming Roger and Fiona Langley St Monica’s College, Epping encourage your employer to partner with us, or make a these children’s lives feels the tremendous satisfaction of Rotary International District 9790 donation of goods or services – your support is vital. making a profound difference. St Peter’s Parish, Epping St Macartan’s Catholic Church Enabling a disadvantaged child from the developing world To find out more visitwww.childrenfirstfoundation.org.au The Kilmore International School to have life-saving and life-changing surgery in Australia is Susan Clack The Pratt Foundation The Scobie and Claire Mackinnon Trust PATRON-IN-CHIEF The Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria FOUNDING PARTNER We acknowledge our Founding Partner, Rotary PATRONS International, and Rotary International District 9790 for their extraordinary commitment and support during Mr Noel Baker 2019 and for the past 20 Years. Mr Geoffrey W Hone Professor , AC PLATINUM PARTNERS Mrs Jan de Kretser We thank our Platinum Partners for their generous support, Mr Bernie Lamers, AM professional advice and expertise throughout the year. Mrs Gerry Lamers, AM Ashurst Mr Geoff McIlvenna Grant Day James Mrs Margaret Smith, OAM Priceline Lady Marigold Southey, AC

TRAVEL PARTNER Abercrombie & Kent

26 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 27

PLATINUM PARTNERS PARTNERS PLATINUM PARTNER FOUNDING

childrenfirstfoundation.org.au Website:

[email protected] Email:

1800 99 22 99 22 99 1800 Phone:

PO Box 2099, Hotham Hill, Victoria 3051 3051 Victoria Hill, Hotham 2099, Box PO

Foundation, First Children